PDEA XI Director Antonio Rivera said Oplan Narabas is a “harm reduction program” initiated by PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino to ensure that those who are in transport sectors are free from the influence of illegal drugs while they are at work.

Tricycle drivers plying the Agdao District route queue for their turn during the drug test conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency at Agdao Public Market on Thursday as part of Oplan Harabas. Bing Gonzales

These include drivers of bus, taxi, van, and even tricycle.

“This is nationwide and simultaneous activities,” Rivera said. “This is part of one-whole nation approach on our fight or war against illegal drugs.”

Rivera said intervention will be given to those who are found positive as they will probably undergo community-based rehabilitation program (CBRAP).

“Their driver’s licenses are temporarily held by LTO (Land Transportation Office) to be released if they have already undergone CBRAP,” he added.

Other agencies joining the PDEA and the LTO in the operation include Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board XI, Regional Highway Patrol Group XI, Davao City Police Office and City Transport and Traffic Management Office.

Last month, four bus drivers and four bus assistants were also found positive for illegal drug use during a surprise drug test conducted at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) in Barangay 76-A as part of the government’s Oplan Huli Week.

In March, three taxi drivers tested positive in the Oplan Harabas conducted by the authorities at the Davao International Airport.